Abstract:
A method and apparatus for securing an electrical connection formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly are provided. In certain embodiments, the electrical connection can be secured by frictional engagement between the plug and receptacle housings. This can be accomplished by forcing a wedge into an interface between the housings or expanding a locking element, such as an elastomeric ring, into the interface. Such locking and releasing of the secure connection can be actuated using a locking nut.
Abstract:
A medical pad having a dual layer portion including a fluid circulation and containment layers and a single layer portion including the fluid circulation layer. The fluid circulation layer is for containing a first thermal-exchange fluid circulatable therethrough, with the medical pad being operable for thermal exchange between the first thermal-exchange fluid and a patient through a first side of the fluid circulation layer. A fluid containment layer of the medical pad is interconnected to a portion of second side of the fluid circulation layer, opposite to the first side of the fluid circulation layer. The fluid containment layer encloses a second thermal-exchange fluid that may have a freezing point of 0°C or less. Portions of the fluid circulation layer that extend beyond the fluid containment layer define flaps that provide additional area for fluid circulation.
Abstract:
A medical pad has multiple layers. A first layer is for containing a first thermal-exchange fluid circulatable therethrough, with the medical pad being operable for thermal exchange between the first thermal-exchange fluid and a patient through a first side of the first layer. A second layer of the medical pad is interconnected to a second side of the first layer, opposite to the first side of the first layer. The second layer encloses a second thermal-exchange fluid that may have a freezing point of 0C or less. The medical pad is operable for thermal exchange between the second thermal exchange fluid and the patient.
Abstract:
A tape drive that passes first and second sides of a storage tape by respective first and second tape head assemblies disposed on a common side of a tape path of the tape to allow for dual-sided recording and/or reading of the tape by the tape head assemblies. Tape leaving a cartridge/supply reel within the tape drive may be wound over one or more tape path guides (e.g., rollers) to face a first side of the tape (e.g., with a first magnetic layer) towards a first tape head assembly. The tape may subsequently be wound over one or more additional guides and then passed in front of a second tape head assembly such that the opposing side of the tape (e.g., with a second magnetic layer) faces the second tape head assembly. After passing by the second tape head assembly, the tape may be wrapped onto a take-up reel.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are described for robust scheduling of beam switching patterns in satellite communications systems. Embodiments operate in context of a hub-spoke satellite communications architecture having a number of gateway terminals servicing large numbers of user terminals over a number of spot beams. The satellite includes switching subsystems that distribute capacity to the user beams from multiple of the gateway terminals in a shared manner according to a beam group switching pattern. The beam group switching pattern is robustly formulated to continue distributing capacity during gateway outages (e.g., when one or two gateway terminals are temporarily non-operational due to rain fade, equipment failure, etc.). For example, the beam group switching pattern can be formulated to minimize worst-case degradation of capacity across user beams, to prioritize certain beams or beam groups, etc.
Abstract:
A mounting device (50) having a first clamping member (60) and a second clamping member (90) is disclosed. At least one clamp fastener (114) of the mounting device (50) movably interconnects the clamping members (60, 90). Rotating the clamp fastener(s) 114 in one direction moves the second clamping member (90) both laterally and upwardly toward the first clamping member (60), which in one embodiment entails moving the second clamping member (90) along an axial path.
Abstract:
A computerized publication management system and method of use are provided for managing the marketing communications development process for healthcare and other highly regulated entities. The method involves receiving a number of inputs that define a desired marketing communication via a graphical user interface of the publication management system. Based on an analysis of the inputs, the publication management system may determine a number of tasks to be completed over the course of a marketing communications project and assign each of the tasks to appropriate personnel and/or service groups within the entity. The tasks may include, for example, obtaining appropriate approvals, copywriting, editing and proofing, print vender selection and management, and so on. Using the tasks and their assignments, the system may determine a workflow path and timeline for the project and track and manage the completion of the project as it progresses through the workflow path. The system may also automate certain processes associated with the development of marketing communications. For instance, the system may generate or select model documents and may implement an automated process for customizing versions and/or individual instances of any given marketing communication.
Abstract:
A multi-functional composition of matter that is useful for injection into a flue gas stream to remove mercury from the flue gas stream. The multi-functional composition of matter may include a sorbent such as powder activated carbon as well as other materials to enhance the oxidation reaction kinetics for the oxidation of mercury species as well as materials for enhancing the mass diffusion kinetics of the mercury species. The multi-functional composition of matter is particularly useful for the treatment of flue gas streams having a relatively high content of halogens such as chlorine.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus ("utility") for securing an electrical connection formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly are provided. The utility includes a clamping mechanism whereby the very forces that would otherwise tend to pull the connection apart serve to actuate the clamping mechanism, thereby securing the mated pair. The apparatus may be integrated into a standard receptacle, or retrofitted to work with existing devices. In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism acts solely on the ground prong of a standard plug assembly, so that it is unnecessary to consider electrical potentials applied to the clamped prong in relation to the design of the clamping mechanism. Further, the withdrawing movement of the prongs of a plug may be translated into a rotational movement of a portion of the clamping mechanism into an abutting relationship with the clamped prong.
Abstract:
A mounting bracket (210) for a corrugated panel (202) is disclosed. The mounting bracket (210) includes an upper wall (216) in the form of an at least substantially flat surface for supporting various types of attachments. This upper wall (216) is disposed above and spaced from a panel valley engagement section (232) for engaging a panel valley (208) of the corrugated panel (202). A panel crown engagement section (224) is positioned on each side of the panel valley engagement section (232) for engaging different panel crowns (204) of a corrugated panel (202). An attachment may be secured relative to the mounting bracket (210) utilizing a mounting hole (218) on the bracket upper wall (216).